PROGRESS IN REGION STRESSED AS ASSEMBLY TAKES UP SITUATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA; HEARS INTRODUCTION OF TWO RELATED DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

Press Release
GA/9840

PROGRESS IN REGION STRESSED AS ASSEMBLY TAKES UP SITUATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA; HEARS INTRODUCTION OF TWO RELATED DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

By targeting the economic and social causes of the conflicts in Central America, the United Nations had built a broad consensus for national reconciliation, justice and equity for all, the representative of Costa Rica told the General Assembly this morning as it took up consideration of the situation in the region, focusing on procedures for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace and progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development.

The situation in the region today was a contrast to the deplorable scenario of the 1980s when war, poverty and destruction had reigned, she said. Progress was a direct result of a change in attitude, adopted when democracy and respect for human rights had become the pillars of relations between nations.

She said the region had enjoyed the active support of the international community, in particular the United Nations. This process was a viable model of what was needed to build peace in the midst of war and fighting. The maintenance of the new-found stability required ongoing efforts. It was also vital to close the gap between rich and poor so that all could reach their most basic needs. It was not until all the nations in the region had sustainable human development, that their vulnerability would be resolved.

El Salvador's representative said he was pleased about the gradual application of peace agreements in his country. They had been more or less accomplished in their totality, and the outstanding commitments were getting smaller and smaller. Difficulties still existed in the region and needed to be confronted as structural problems continued to affect the living conditions of large percentages of the population. Regional integration was necessary in the face of the challenges of globalization and in the mitigation of natural disasters.

Guatemala's representative said peace in his country had always been the responsibility of the Guatemalan people themselves, however, the United Nations had been indispensable in ensuring the fulfilment of peace agreements. It was important to recognize that in post-conflict situations, the United Nations presence must not be prolonged or withdrawn prematurely. The United Nations withdrawal from Guatemala needed to be gradual. He was concerned that the budget of United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) would be cut, which would jeopardize the Mission’s ability to carry out its mandate and the maintenance of peace.

General Assembly Plenary - 1a - Press Release GA/9840 80th Meeting (AM) 4 December 2000

Introducing a draft resolution on MINUGUA, Mexico's representative said that Mission was one of the Organization’s success stories. There was consensus among the co-sponsors of the text on the need for MINUGUA to remain in the country until 2003. The international community had witnessed many positive changes in Guatemala, but there were still challenges to be overcome.

The representatives of Nicaragua (introducing a draft resolution on the situation in Central America), Colombia, France (on behalf of the European Union and associated States), Japan, Brazil, Spain and Venezuela also spoke. Nicaragua exercised its right of reply.

The Assembly will meet again at a date to be announced.

General Assembly Plenary - 3 - Press Release GA/9840 80th Meeting (AM) 4 December 2000

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly met this morning to take up the situation in Central America: procedures for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace and progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development.

The Assembly had before it a report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central America (document A/55/465), covering progress achieved by Central American countries in the areas of peace, freedom, democracy and development since 3 September 1999. The Assembly has discussed the situation every year since 1983. On 7 August 1987, the leaders of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua pledged in an agreement known as Esquipulas II (A/42/521-S19085, annex) to embrace democratization and national dialogue to end armed conflict and to ensure free and fair elections.

Today, according to the report, the isthmus is in a better social, political and economic situation than it was 10 years ago. Although serious problems and social inequities persist, most of the region is now in a position to consolidate strides taken to ensure peaceful means for the resolution of the conflicts and the free exercise of democratic liberties, to fortify democratic institutions and to firmly embed the rule of law. On the basis of these new foundations, Central Americans are now addressing the structural inequalities that gave rise to conflict in the 1980s.

Two peacekeeping missions with Security Council mandates have been deployed in Central America: the United Nations Observer Group in Central America (ONUCA) (November 1989-January 1993) and the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (July 1991-April 1995). By its resolution 1094 (1997), the Council authorized a group of military observers to join in the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), verifying the demobilization of combatants of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG). In May 1995, ONUSAL was replaced by the, smaller, Mission of the United Nations in El Salvador (MINUSAL). The United Nations system is supporting initiatives to close disparities between rich and poor, men and women, urban and rural areas, indigenous and non-indigenous, in order to consolidate peace and democracy.

The report notes that recent electoral contests in the region have unfolded peacefully and have been preceded by campaigns characterized by an open exchange of views. Dwindling participation, however, suggests a questioning of the democratic process and lack of faith in the power of the franchise. The high levels of delinquency and violence in the region are a source of instability in the new democracies. A strong Inspectorate General is crucial to a democratic, rights-respecting police force, just as a strong, credible ombudsman is an important institutional guarantor to rights protection.

Economic disparities continue in the region, exacerbated by the natural disaster brought on by Hurricane Mitch, which exposed fragile ecosystems and seriously set back the development agenda. The Secretary-General calls on the international community to maintain its commitment to Central American recovery. At the same time, the report notes, countries on the isthmus must manage resources with full transparency and accountability.

The report observes that the long-standing border disputes, some of which have flared up recently, are a lingering threat to peace in the region. The Secretary-General calls on the leaders in the region to prioritize their settlement by peaceful means.

Also before the Assembly was a note by the Secretary-General (document A/55/174) transmitting the report on Human Rights of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) on the verification of compliance with the comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights. The report is the eleventh on the subject, and covers the period from 1 December 1999 to 30 June 2000. The report contains an appendix on the human rights violations during the period from 1 October 1999 to 30 June 2000.

The report contains information and analysis on the commitments undertaken under the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights. The first commitment is a general commitment to human rights, consisting of provisions on the right to life, the right to integrity, the right to individual liberty and security of persons, the right to freedom of association and assembly, political rights, the right to freedom of expression and the commitment to promote rules and mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The second commitment is one to strengthen institutions for the protection of human rights. The third commitment is that against impunity, including provisions on the right to due process. The fourth commitment demands that there are no illegal security forces and clandestine structures and regulation of the bearing of arms. The final commitment safeguards the protection of individuals and entities working for the protection of human rights.

The report consists of observations and recommendations which focus on norms and mechanisms for the protection of human rights, the role of the National Civil Police, the Pubic Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary and the Executive. In order for Guatemala to return to the path of increasing respect for and protection of human rights, the Mission considers that the Government’s human rights policy, as set forth by the Presidential Human Rights Committee, must be implemented as a matter of urgency.

Also before the Assembly is a report of the Secretary-General on MINUGUA (document A/55/389). By resolution 54/99, the Assembly renewed the mandate of the Mission from 1 January to 31 December 2000. On 31 July, the Secretary- General appointed Gerd D. Merrem as his Special Representative and head of MINUGUA.

The report notes that Guatemala is facing an important test of its determination to fulfil the peace agenda. The holding of the first general elections following the signing of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace, with the participation of the entire political spectrum, marked a new stage in the peace process. It is necessary to consolidate what has already been achieved and to move ahead on the implementation of the broad outstanding agenda. The Secretary-General calls upon the Guatemalan authorities, the political parties and the various trade unions, indigenous, women's, business, peasants', academic, human rights and other organizations of civil society to redouble their efforts for the building of a culture of dialogue and the consolidation of peace in Guatemala.

In view of the failure of the parties to complete the implementation agenda by 31 December, the implementation calendar is being readjusted by the Follow-up Commission. The delays in implementation have revealed that, by tackling the root causes of the conflict, the peace agenda established the foundations for the qualitative transformation of Guatemalan society towards democratization. It has become clear the implementation process faces complexities that were not anticipated by the parties to the agreements.

The Secretary-General recommends that the Assembly authorize the renewal of the mandate of MINUGUA from 1 January until 31 December 2001.

Another report by the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) (document A/55/175) verifies the compliance with the agreements signed by the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in accordance with the mandate given to the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala by the General Assembly in March 1997. This is the fifth report and it covers the period from 1 November 1999 to 30 June 2000.

The report states that the various protagonists of the peace-building process must carry out the priorities established at the current stage while simultaneously complying with the full range of commitments required by the peace process. The Secretary-General notes that the Fiscal Pact and the Political Agreement for Funding Peace, Development and Democracy is a major step forward in the national reconciliation process and should guide the work reaching consensus on other issues of special significance to the peace process.

It stresses that the Agreement on Social and Economic Aspects should contribute to overcoming the structural causes that gave rise to the armed conflict and to eradicating socioeconomic exclusion processes, ensure rapid, equitable and fair economic growth, and achieve a higher level of human development for Guatemalan society. There is also a need to comply with the commitments made in the name of the peace agreement with regard to public security, namely, to establish the Advisory Council on Security, implement judicial reform in order to combat impunity and adopt a comprehensive public security policy.

The report further stresses that the new educational policy must aim to establish new models for democratic pluralism, promote technical and scientific progress and strengthen Guatemala’s integration into the major processes of international transformation. In order to strengthen functional, participatory democracy and overcome the historic exclusion of large population groups, priority must be given to the reform of the electoral system before the next electoral process.

The Secretary-General recommends that the State institutions responsible for labour issues should be modified to ensure a planned approach throughout the country which includes education, preventive and promotional elements, and a budgetary allocation sufficient to make it sustainable. It is also advised that the Government define its strategy with regard to functional and territorial decentralization.

The report emphasizes the importance for the consolidation of peace in Guatemala of compliance with the commitments contained in the Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This requires the firm backing of the Government and the support of indigenous organizations representing the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of the country.

The Secretary-General calls upon the authorities of State bodies, the political parties and the various trade unions, indigenous, women’s, business, peasants’, academic, human rights and other organizations of civil society to redouble their efforts for the building of a culture of dialogue and the consolidation of peace in Guatemala.

The Assembly had before it a draft resolution MINUGUA (document A/55/L.33/Rev.1), by the terms of which it would decide to authorize the renewal of the Mission’s mandate from 1 January to 31 December 2001. The Assembly would stress that the Mission had a key role to play in promoting the consolidation of peace and the observance of human rights and in verifying compliance with the newly approved timetable for the implementation of pending commitments under the peace agreements.

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would call on the Government of Guatemala to follow up the recommendations of the Commission for Historical Clarification, with a view to promoting national reconciliation, upholding the right to truth and providing redress, in accordance with Guatemalan law, for the victims of human rights abuses and violence committed during the 36-year conflict. The Assembly would also call upon Congress to establish the Commission for Peace and Harmony.

By the same terms, the Assembly would encourage the Government to implement the recommendations contained in the reports of the Mission on human rights, in particular in view of the persistent shortcomings in the overall human rights situation and the troubling increase in incidents directed at people working on such issues. It would encourage the parties and all sectors of Guatemalan society to intensify their efforts to achieve the goals of the peace agreements, in particular the observance of human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples, equitable development, participation and national reconciliation.

The Assembly would invite the international community and the agencies, programmes and funds of the United Nations to continue to support the consolidation of the peace-building process and to consider the implementation of the peace agreements as the framework for their technical and financial assistance programmes and projects.

The draft is sponsored by Belgium, Colombia, Guatemala, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela.

Before the Assembly was also a draft resolution on the situation in Central America: procedures for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace and progress in fashioning a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development (document A/55/L.42). By the terms of the draft, the Assembly would reaffirm the need to continue to improve the electoral processes that have been taking place in Central America, which were conducive to the consolidation of democracy in the region and would encourage greater participation of citizens in elections.

The Assembly would also stress the importance of lending support to the meeting of the regional consultative group for the transformation and modernization of Central America, which would be held in Madrid in January 2001, in order to help to consolidate the modernization and improvement of the principal structures of the region in accordance with the model established by the Alliance for Sustainable Development (ALIDES).

By other terms of the draft, the Assembly would request the Secretary- General, the United Nations and the international community to continue to support and verify in Guatemala the implementation of all the peace agreements signed under United Nations auspices, compliance with which was an essential condition for a firm and lasting peace in that country, and to consider the implementation of the Peace Agreements as the framework for their technical and financial assistance programmes and projects, stressing the importance of constant and close cooperation among them in the context of the United Nations framework of assistance for the development of Guatemala.

The Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to continue to lend his full support to the initiatives and activities of the Central American Governments, particularly their efforts to consolidate peace and democracy through the promotion of integration and the implementation of the comprehensive sustainable development programme, emphasizing the potential repercussions of natural disasters, in particular of hurricane Mitch, for the peace processes and the vulnerable economies of the region.

The draft is sponsored by Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United States and Venezuela.

Introduction of Draft Resolution

MARION H. CASTELLON DUARTE (Nicaragua), introducing the draft resolution on the situation in Central America, said that the text was based to a significant extent on the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central America. In addition, it took into account political events in the region, which offered well known guidelines to continue on the path set out by the countries in the region. The preamble consisted of important aspects required to continue consolidating stability and development in the region. It also talked about the significant assistance to the region, both bilaterally and multilaterally. He said the preambular paragraph also noted that that the peace agreements in Guatemala and El Salvador had indeed led to a real peace processes, and that effective participation of the United Nations had been organized. It noted the recent elections and the establishment of democracies in the region. It was also pointed out that the region was vulnerable to natural disasters and highlighted the governmental efforts to deal with this in a more effective way. The operative parts of the draft resolution recognized the report of the Secretary-General and highlighted the need to continue to focus on the region and the continuing development thereof.

The efforts made by governments were to be commended, he said, particularly those efforts made in mitigating natural disasters and in the implementation of peace agreements in El Salvador and Guatemala. The operative paragraph also highlighted the declaration signed towards regional integration by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

GUSTAVO ALBIN (Mexico), introducing the draft resolution on the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala, said that on the 29 December 1996, 36 years of internal conflict in Guatemala had ended with a broad national agenda for peace. From this time onwards, the United Nations had played an important role in verifying the fulfilment of the various peace agreements. The presence of MINUGUA had been very positive. Guatemalan society had recognized that the United Nations had given certainty and trust to the process of implementation of the peace agreements.

There was consensus among the co-sponsors on the need for MINUGUA to remain in the country until 2003, he said. He underscored that MINUGUA was the key instrument in promoting peace. Guatemala was a success story of the United Nations, and the parties had borne clear witness to the undertaking of the peace process. The international community had witnessed many positive changes in Guatemala, but there were still challenges to be overcome. The co-sponsors of the resolution trusted that the General Assembly would renew its commitment to Guatemala. He announced that the resolution would be additionally co-sponsored by Australia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Equador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Peru, the Russian Federation and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

GERT ROSENTHAL (Guatemala) said he would confine his comment to the second draft resolution on MINUGUA. Peace had always been the responsibility of the Guatemalan people themselves, however international participation had been crucial and had been crystallized through the United Nations. In short, the United Nations had been indispensable in ensuring the fulfilment of peace agreements. He thanked the United Nations agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) for the role they had played in the implementation of many agreements. An analysis of the implementation showed that much had been done, but much remained to be done.

It was important to recognize that in post-conflict situations, the United Nations presence must not be prolonged or withdrawn prematurely, he said. This was the case in Guatemala. However, while the United Nations clearly played an important role, it was subsidiary to the role of domestic actors. He believed that the United Nations withdrawal needed to be gradual and suggested the extension of the mandate of MINUGUA. He was concerned that the budget of MINUGUA would be cut, and suggested that part of the international staff be replaced with local staff. He said that a budget cut would jeopardize the Mission’s ability to carry out its mandate and the maintenance of peace.

SOFIA SALGADO DE GOMEZ (Colombia) said the process of reconstruction in the region had progressed thanks to support of the international community. Recent tragedies in the region, brought on by Hurricane Mitch, were being overcome and steps were being taken to prevent future natural disasters. Colombia was concerned by the latest information promoted by the UNDP. Peace and democracy could not be solid unless they were given broad and sustainable support. Her region needed a decent level of life, access to healthcare, food and education. Colombia, as part of the group of friends of Guatemala, paid tribute to the advances made since 1996, and the role played by MINUGUA, she said. It was inevitable that there would be obstacles, and the international community should not be surprised at this, but must understand the need to maintain the level of support. Her country supported the resolution for the continuation of MINUGUA in Guatemala.

YVES DOUTRIAUX (France), speaking on behalf of the European Union, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, stressed the high priority attached by the Union to the economic and social development of the countries of Central America. The Union was actively supporting those countries in the region that had embarked on structural reforms designed to bring about economic development and social peace. It had adopted a Regional Programme for the Reconstruction of Central America which, together with bilateral donations, was worth 1 billion euros, to help the countries affected by Hurricane Mitch.

He reaffirmed the support of the Union for the initiatives taken to put an end to border disputes in the region, particularly those taken under the auspices of the Organization of the American States (OAS). Stable borders were crucial for peace and security in the region and essential to the achievement of the objectives of peace, reconciliation, democracy, development and justice enshrined in the Esquipulas II Agreement of 1987. The Union welcomed the agreements to adopt confidence-building measures signed by the representatives of Guatemala and Belize in the OAS Permanent Council on 7 November. It was also pleased to note the constructive approach adopted by Nicaragua in deciding to submit its maritime demarcation dispute with Honduras to the International Court of Justice. It reaffirmed its commitment to conflict–prevention measures in the region and support for the creation of a regional mechanism for resolving disputes which might arise between countries.

He expressed the Union’s support for the Secretary-General’s proposal for extending the mandate of MINUGUA until 2003. Such extension was necessary to enable Guatemala to consolidate the achievements of the peace agenda and to implement those components of the agenda that were still outstanding. All parties should implement the provisions of the Fiscal Pact for a Future Peace and Development, land reform, official status for indigenous languages, dismantling of Presidential Military Staff and reform of the Secretariat for Strategic Analysis. The parties should also finalize the new timetable for implementing those measures as soon as possible. Extension of MINUGUA’s mandate should also enable the parties to stand by their own commitments.

MOTOHIDE YOSHIKAWA (Japan) said democratic governance in the countries of Central America was fundamental to the achievement of regional peace and stability. His country, therefore, welcomed the considerable progress achieved towards the consolidation of peace and the democratic transformation of societies throughout Central America. In order to achieve lasting peace and stability, the root causes of conflict, such as various economic and social problems, must be addressed.

In Guatemala, under the guidance of MINUGUA, the first state of the peace agreements had quickly been implemented with the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants. The fiscal pact, adopted in May of this year, would enable the Government to increase spending on programmes related to the peace agenda. Despite such positive activities, serious problems must urgently be addressed. In particular, the need to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, reform the military, National Civil Police and judicial system, as well as strengthen the rule of law. Given that such needs were ongoing, his country supported the extension of the Mission's mandate until 2003, with the gradual decrease in capacity, as described in the Secretary-General's report.

Turning to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, he said he hoped that the international community would remain committed to supporting the recovery efforts of those countries, thereby helping to strengthen the foundations of democracy and regional stability. His country welcomed the growing emphasis of the United Nations on addressing the root causes of conflict and engaging in peace-building activities in order to reinforce democracy and enhance regional stability. The people of Central America were likewise to be commended for their efforts to address social and economic problems and establish democratic institutions.

MARIA ELENA CHASSOUL (Costa Rica) said today there was peace in Central America and all nations were committed to democracy and the respect for human rights and the environment. This situation was a contrast to the deplorable scenario of the 1980s when war, poverty and destruction reigned. Progress was a direct result of a change in attitude, adopted when democracy and respect for human rights had become the pillars of relations between nations. The Central American peoples had rejected war and embraced peace.

The region had enjoyed the active support of the international community, in particular the United Nations, she said. The United Nations had targeted the economic and social causes of the conflicts, and transformed and modernized each of the nations in the region. This had built a broad consensus for national reconciliation, justice and equity for all. This process was a viable model of what was needed to build peace in the midst of war and fighting. There were no longer mass violations of human rights or disruption of the democratic will of the people. The maintenance of the new-found stability required ongoing efforts. It was also vital to close the gap between rich and poor so that all could reach their most basic need. Effective steps must be taken after natural disasters, as well as ensuring the safety of citizens. It would not be until all the nations in the region had sustainable human development that their vulnerability would be resolved.

GELSON FONSECA (Brazil) said that his country had been following the situation in Central America. Vulnerabilities in economic and social fields required that the Central American countries redouble their efforts. His country welcomed the peace agreement in Guatemala and the determination of the people of El Salvador to bring forward their commitment to the process of democratization. Furthermore, the Alliance for Sustainable Development in Central America had shown that the countries were willing to compromise and show solidarity. It was important that the international community continue to show commitment to preventing armed conflict and, through MINUGUA, should continue to support verification of peace process in Guatemala.

Brazil had played a role in the whole mechanism of bringing peace and stability to Central America and had made important efforts to humanitarian relief in affected areas, he continued. However, the countries of Central America and the international community still needed to act in a more coordinated fashion. The international community and Central America must stress prevention and create financing mechanisms to facilitate the transition of emergency aid to development aid. Brazil applauded the attempts to bring forward the integration systems in Central America, which would lead to greater participation and a more competitive stance with regard to the international community.

INOCENCIO F. ARIAS (Spain) said that he trusted that the parties of civil society in El Salvador would continue to assist in the implementation of the agreements. It was clear that while much had been done, much remained to be done. He said he hoped that there would be a new calendar for the implementation of the pending commitments in the peace agreements. Spain was proud to hold the meeting of the consultative group in order to consider infrastructure projects to support the development of the region. In general, this had been a good example of United Nations success and management of peace- building and it showed how the international community could help and encourage domestic energies to recover from conflicts. In El Salvador, peace operations had indeed become peace-building operations.

He said that MINUGUA had played an important part in what had been achieved in Guatemala. He was aware that much remained to be done including the extension of the mandate for three more years. There had been a proposal of the Secretary-General for an initial one-year extension, which already contained an exit strategy so that by the year 2004 it could simply end having organized the succession to it. He urged the General Assembly to support the Mission’s mandate extension.

WILMER A. MENDEZ (Venezuela) said that along with the part played by the United Nations in promoting peace and democracy in the region, his country would like to highlight the commitment of the peoples and governments of the countries of Central America. He agreed with the Secretary-General’s Report that despite existing difficulties, the Central American countries were in a better place to restore respect for human rights, enhance the rule of law and strengthen democracy.

It was primarily up to the countries themselves to eliminate the root causes of conflict, with the support of the international community, he said. His country greatly appreciated the contribution made by organizations such as the UNDP and MINUGUA, and supported the request for the extension of the mandate of MINUGUA. Venezuela had participated in aiding the region, for example, in the support of mine removal, humanitarian aid following the devastation by Hurricane Mitch and the participation in the San Jose Process. Lastly, he reiterated Venezuela’s firm commitment to support peace, democracy and development in the region.

JOSE ROBERTO ANDINO SALAZAR (El Salvador) said that when the General Assembly had begun to look at the situation in Central America, the relations between nations had been characterized by military tensions, with conflicts spreading beyond borders. This situation had been reflected annually in the report of the Secretary-General and showed that there had been a panorama of uncertainty in the region. Thirteen years later, he was happy to see that there had been a significant change in the socio-economic, political and institutional affairs throughout the region through the promotion of human rights, the strengthening of civil society and the promotion of democracy. The experience of war and scourges were not to be repeated again, he said.

Structural problems continued to affect the living conditions of large percentages of the region’s population and must be confronted, he said. The President of El Salvador had established a national programme of integration. The programme consisted of geographic, human and economic integration. This programme would strengthen the institutional stability of the country making it more attractive for investment and would promote the economy of the country so there could sustainable human development. On a regional level, integration was necessary in the face of the challenges of globalization and in the mitigation of natural disasters. In the specific case of El Salvador, he was pleased about the gradual application of the peace agreements. They had been more or less accomplished in their totality, and the outstanding commitments were getting smaller and smaller.

Right of Reply

MARIO H. CASTELLON DUARTE (Nicaragua), speaking in right of reply, said he wanted to clarify the fact that some delegations had said that some political parties had not participated in the recent municipal elections in his country. These parties had not received the 75,000 signatures needed to make them eligible. It was not economically advisable in his country to have micro parties. There were five parties that represented all political ideologies.

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